Is the program management certification worth it?

Professionals who hold the PgMP certification often say the credential has helped their careers. Although it requires a significant investment, the certification may also deliver valuable returns in the form of job access and a higher salary.

What are the top-paying industries for program managers?

The finance, insurance, professional services, manufacturing, and construction industries paid the highest annual median wages for project management specialists in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The project management specialist classification includes program managers.

Is it hard to become a program manager?

Observers often describe program management as a highly competitive field. To become a successful program manager, you need a strong record of proven performance and sharp, industry-specific analytical insights.

How to become a program manager

Program managers supervise multiple related projects to advance a larger objective. Learn about this management-level career path and connect with educational opportunities that can help you enter the field.

Browse online program management programs and courses

Startup business people working together on a project looking at computer monitor.

What is a program manager?

Businesses may create a coordinated series of interconnected projects to achieve high-level organizational goals. Program managers supervise these individual projects, ensuring they work together to advance the broader organizational objective.

What does a program manager do?

A program manager's duties typically include:

Designing project-based programs in support of a strategic organizational goal
Monitoring progress on each individual project
Supervising and directing the managers responsible for each project
Managing project budgets and distributing financial resources

Program managers also create progress reports and present them to upper management.

Program manager vs. project manager

People often confuse program managers and project managers. While the roles share some similarities, they are distinct. In essence, the program manager analyzes organizational needs to identify specific strategic objectives and create programs to meet them. Meanwhile, the project manager manages a single individual project that functions as part of the overall program.

Steps to become a program manager

The traditional path to becoming a program manager involves the following steps:

Step 1: Get a relevant degree.

Earn at least a bachelor's degree, and consider that a master's degree may support your advancement. After completing your bachelor's degree, you can proceed directly into a graduate program or upgrade after gaining professional experience (see Step 2).

Relevant areas of study include:

An MBA in project management can prepare you well for a career in program management.

Step 1: Get a relevant degree.

Relevant areas of study include:

An MBA in project management can prepare you well for a career in program management.

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Frequently asked questions

Published June 19, 2025